How to Start a Satellites’ Components and Spare Parts Trading Business with Meydan Free Zone

May 19, 2026

Last Updated on Jun 12, 2026

How to Start a Satellites’ Components and Spare Parts Trading Business with Meydan Free Zone

The global satellite components market is one of the fastest-growing segments of the space economy, driven by the rapid proliferation of low Earth orbit constellations, expanding defence programmes, and an accelerating shift toward commercial satellite services. According to Mordor Intelligence¹, the satellite parts and components market is estimated at USD 40.66 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 68.05 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.97%.

The satellite manufacturing market is expanding even faster, valued at USD 22.5 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 57.2 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 16.1%, according to Grand View Research².

Communication systems account for the largest share of component demand at 40.4%, followed by propulsion hardware at 33.8% of the market by subsystem. Software components are the fastest-growing segment, advancing at a CAGR of 10.47%, while space observation applications are driving the highest growth by end use at 11.47% CAGR through 2031.

The UAE has positioned itself as a serious player in this global sector. According to Economy Middle East³, the UAE’s investments in the space sector have reached AED 40 billion (USD 10.9 billion) in recent years, underlining the country’s commitment to building a domestic space industry.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has developed and launched multiple satellites including DubaiSat-1, DubaiSat-2, KhalifaSat, and the MBZ-SAT earth observation satellite, establishing a track record of sovereign satellite capability.

The UAE Space Agency’s National Space Strategy 2030⁴, approved by the UAE Cabinet, sets a comprehensive framework for growing the space sector’s contribution to the national economy, attracting foreign investment, and fostering public and private sector collaboration. For traders in satellite components and spare parts, this combination of domestic demand from active satellite programmes, government-backed procurement, and the UAE’s role as a regional hub for space-related commercial activity creates a high-value, long-term business opportunity.

Who is this for?

Target Segment	Description
Space technology traders	Businesses seeking to source and supply satellite subsystems, electronic components, and spare parts to satellite operators, defence contractors, and research institutions across the UAE and the broader Middle East.
System integrators and resellers	Companies that procure satellite components for integration into larger systems or resell specialist parts to manufacturers, engineers, and government procurement bodies operating in the UAE's fast-growing space sector.
MRO and aftermarket suppliers	Traders focused on maintenance, repair, and overhaul supply chains, stocking and distributing replacement and spare parts for existing satellite infrastructure operated by government, defence, and commercial entities.

4773 — Retail sale of other new goods in specialised stores

Activity code 4773.d9 falls within ISIC class 4773, which covers the retail sale of new goods across a range of specialised product categories. Within this class, sub-code 4773.d9 is specifically designated for Satellites’ Components and Spare Parts Trading — the retail sale of components, subsystems, and spare parts used in the manufacture, assembly, operation, and maintenance of satellites.

Businesses operating under this code are authorised to source and sell such products to end customers through a specialised commercial channel.

Component Type	Subsystem Details	Description & UAE Context
Structural components	Satellite structural and mechanical parts	Retail sale of structural and mechanical satellite components, including satellite bus structures, frames, separation systems, and mechanical deployment mechanisms used in satellite assembly.
Structural components	Satellite structural and mechanical parts	UAE CONTEXT: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) operates active satellite programmes including KhalifaSat and MBZ-SAT, creating domestic demand for structural parts and mechanical components within the UAE's national space programme.
Electronic subsystems	Electronic and communication subsystems	Retail sale of electronic satellite components and communication subsystems, including transponders, antennas, amplifiers, onboard computers, and signal processing units used in satellite communication payloads.
Electronic subsystems	Electronic and communication subsystems	UAE CONTEXT: Communication satellites account for 40.4% of the global satellite component market. UAE-based operators including Yahsat and Thuraya drive procurement of communication subsystems for both new builds and in-service satellite upgrades.
Power & propulsion	Power systems and propulsion components	Retail sale of satellite power and propulsion components, including solar panels, batteries, power conditioning units, thrusters, fuel tanks, and attitude control systems used across satellite platforms.
Power & propulsion	Power systems and propulsion components	UAE CONTEXT: Propulsion hardware accounts for 33.8% of the satellite components market by subsystem. The UAE Space Agency's National Space Strategy 2030 and growing LEO satellite deployment create sustained procurement demand for these components.

Third-Party Approval

Satellites' Components and Spare Parts Trading does not require pre-approval from any third-party regulatory authority. A license may be issued directly through Meydan Free Zone without the need for external regulatory sign-off prior to commencing trading activities.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance

Satellites' Components and Spare Parts Trading is not classified as a Designated Non-Financial Business or Profession (DNFBP) under UAE anti-money laundering legislation. Businesses operating under this activity code are not subject to AML registration or reporting obligations specific to this license category

References

1. Mordor Intelligence, Satellite Parts and Components Market Size and Growth to 2031 — https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/global-satellite-parts-and-components-market

2. Grand View Research, Satellite Manufacturing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report — https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/satellite-manufacturing-market-report

3. Economy Middle East, Sheikh Hamdan: UAE’s investments in space sector reached $10.9 billion over past years — https://economymiddleeast.com/news/sheikh-hamdan-uaes-investments-in-space-sector-reached-10-9-billion-over-past-years/

4. UAE Government, National Space Strategy 2030 — https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/industry-science-and-technology/national-space-strategy-2030

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